Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid artery surgery, or carotid endarterectomy, is a surgical procedure to restore adequate blood flow to the brain. The common carotid artery is located on each side of the neck. Each carotid splits into two branches -- the internal branch, which brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain, and the external branch, which brings blood to the face.  Blockage of the internal carotid artery can reduce blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.  By restoring adequate blood flow to the internal carotid artery, strokes can be prevented. This
may be accomplished either by endarterectomy or by carotid stenting.